Award Information
Description of original award (Fiscal Year 2009, $250,000)
The Congressionally Selected Awards Program, authorized by the Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009 (Pub. L. 111-8), helps improve the functioning of the criminal justice system, prevent or combat juvenile delinquency, and/or assist victims of crime (other than compensation). Funds should be used for the projects selected by Congress, in the amounts specified in the joint explanatory statement incorporated by reference into Pub. L. 111-8, and generally consistent with one or more of the following statutory purposes: improving the functioning of the criminal justice system, preventing or combating juvenile delinquency, or assisting victims of crime (other than compensation). Each of these purposes is framed using language drawn, respectively, from the former Byrne discretionary statute, the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act, the Victims of Crime Act, and the Violence Against Women Act. This project is authorized and funded through a line item in the FY 09 Congressional Budget and by the joint explanatory statement that is incorporated by reference into the FY09 Omnibus Appropriations Act.
The City of San Jose, along with the Mayor's Gang Prevention Task Force, will use the FY 09 award to support the Striving Toward a New Direction (STAND) program. This program teaches youth, 11 to 18 years old, skills to become productive citizens and successfully connect with their home, school, and community. STAND's goals are to: 1) increase skills to improve academic achievement; 2) reduce delinquent behavior; and 3) prevent further involvement in gang activity. The program's main component is a 10 week gender-specific support group that will be provided in 14 elementary, middle, and high school campuses during one class period and will provide a safe and positive environment for students to share and discuss difficult experiences they are facing. STAND also encourages parent involvement by hosting a parent workshop that informs the parents of school services and discusses at-risk behaviors and prevention tools.
STAND will serve 1,260 students during the 2009-10 school year. The grant award will pay the salaries and benefits for 1.0 FTE Youth Outreach Specialist and 0.5 FTE Youth Outreach Worker II. The Youth Outreach Specialist will monitor implementation of the STAND program into school sites and as well as facilitate the program, and the Youth Outreach Worker will be responsible for the outreach and daily case management of the participants. Grant funds will also pay for an evaluation to determine the effectiveness of the program.
NCA/NCF